15 qualified countries set to miss World Cup 2026

• The US State Department announces suspension of visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including top football nations like Brazil and Nigeria.
• The move comes five months before the 2026 World Cup, raising concerns over travel for fans and teams.

The US State Department has announced it will halt visa issuance for citizens of 75 countries, including major football powers such as Brazil and Nigeria, just five months before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

A statement posted on X explained that the suspension targets countries whose citizens reportedly have “unacceptable rates” of reliance on US government benefits. The department said visa processing will remain paused until the US can ensure that new migrants do not “exploit” American resources.

Implications for World Cup

The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first edition of the tournament across three countries. The expanded competition will feature 48 teams, with matches played in 16 cities across the three host nations, and the United States hosting the largest share of games.

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Officials have not yet clarified how the visa suspension will affect players, staff, or traveling fans from the affected countries, sparking concern among football federations and supporters worldwide.

International reaction

The decision has drawn criticism from sports authorities and human rights groups, who warn that limiting entry ahead of a global sporting event could disrupt preparations and restrict fan participation. The State Department maintains that the measure is aimed at protecting US resources rather than targeting any sporting event.